Process for treating poultry carcasses to control salmonellae growth

Abstract

Salmonella and other bacteria can be removed, reduced or retarded on poultry carcasses by treating poultry with a treatment solution containing an alkali metal orthophosphate, e.g., trisodium orthophosphate.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A process for treating poultry carcasses comprising contacting the poultry with a treatment solution having a pH above about 11.5, said solution containing trialkali metal orthophosphate present in an amount of from about 4% or greater based on the weight of the solution, the proviso that the treatment solution does not contain alcohol, said treatment being conducted for a period of time effective to remove, reduce over retard salmonella contamination and/or growth and insufficient to cause organoleptic depreciation of the poultry. 
     
     
       2. The process of claim 1 wherein the amount of phosphate is about 8% or greater based on the weight of the solution. 
     
     
       3. A process as recited in claim 1 wherein said orthophosphate is trisodium orthophosphate. 
     
     
       4. A process as recited in claim 1 wherein said pH ranges from about 11.6 to 13.5. 
     
     
       5. A process as recited in claim 1 wherein residual phosphate is left on the poultry to provide reduced bacterial activity on the surface of the poultry. 
     
     
       6. A process as recited in claim 1 wherein said poultry is treated at a temperature of 0° C. to 70° C. 
     
     
       7. A process as recited in claim 1 wherein said poultry is treated at a temperature of 40° C. to 70° C. 
     
     
       8. A process as recited in claim 1 wherein said poultry is treated at a temperature of 20° C. to 40° C. 
     
     
       9. A process as recited in claim 1 wherein said poultry is treated at a temperature equal to or less than 10° C. 
     
     
       10. A process as recited in claim 1 wherein said poultry is treated by dip or spray for 1 second to 2 hours at a temperature of less than 27° C. 
     
     
       11. A process for treating poultry carcasses comprising contacting the poultry with a treatment solution having a pH above 11.5, said solution consisting essentially of trialkali metal orthophosphate present in an amount from about 4% or greater, based on the weigh of the solution, said treatment being conducted for a period of item effective to remove, reduce or retard salmonella contamination and/or growth. 
     
     
       12. The process of claim 11 wherein the amount of orthophosphate is from about 4% to salutation and the pH ranges from 11.6 to 13.5. 
     
     
       13. The process of claim 12 wherein said orthophosphate is trisodium orthophosphate. 
     
     
       14. The process of claim 13 wherein said poultry is treated at a temperature below 27° C. for 2 seconds to two hours. 
     
     
       15. The process of claim 13 wherein said poultry is treated at a temperature below 10° C. for 2-30 seconds.